KENNEWICK, Wash. – The Kennewick City Council is set to decide during its June 17 regular meeting on authorizing a contract for the River of Fire fireworks display.
This annual event, held in Columbia Park, is managed in partnership with VenuWorks.
The City of Kennewick’s Recreation Division oversees the fireworks show. Last year, the event drew an estimated 15,000 attendees, with many more watching from outside the park.
The 2025 fireworks display cost has increased by 22% from 2024, mainly due to higher expenses for the barge, insurance staffing and fireworks, the city said in its agenda report.
Despite the price hike, the size of the show is expected to remain the same. Extensive exploration of alternative launch options concluded that an offshore barge is the best choice.
Under the proposed contract, Wolverine West LLC will provide all necessary pyrotechnic equipment, trained technicians and permits for the show on July 4, 2025, at around 10:05 p.m.
The barge will be positioned approximately 800 feet from the Kennewick side of Columbia Park.
The breakdown of costs includes $54,750 for the fireworks display and $68,000 for the barge and tug, with an additional 8.7% WSST tax of $10,680. The total contract value is $133,430.
